Cherry chocolate cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart. Picture this: rich, velvety chocolate mingling with the sweet-tart essence of cherries, creating a delightful harmony of flavors with every bite. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around and indulge. Imagine serving this beauty at a family gathering or a cozy dinner party, where each slice sparks joy and conversation.
Now, let me take you back to the first time I made cherry chocolate cake. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I was in desperate need of comfort food. With my trusty apron on and a splash of determination, I whipped up this masterpiece. perfect pairing for cherry chocolate cake The smiles around the table were worth every ounce of flour I spilled. This cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply celebrating life’s little victories—because who doesn’t want chocolate cake?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cherry chocolate cake is incredibly easy to make, so even novice bakers can impress their friends.
- Experience the delightful fusion of rich chocolate and juicy cherries in every forkful.
- Its stunning visual appeal makes it a showstopper for any occasion or celebration.
- Enjoy it warm with ice cream or serve it cold as an elegant dessert option.
Ingredients for Cherry Chocolate Cake
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use about 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour for the base; it provides structure and fluffiness.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder; about ¾ cup will give the cake its rich chocolate flavor.
- Sugar: You'll need around 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar to balance the dark chocolate's bitterness. For more inspiration, check out this dark chocolate truffles recipe recipe.
- Cherries: Fresh or frozen pitted cherries work great; aim for about 1 cup for that fruity punch.
- Baking Powder: Two teaspoons will help your cake rise perfectly!
- Butter: Use one stick (½ cup) of softened butter to keep the cake moist and flavorful.
For the Topping:
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finish; use as much as you like!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Chocolate Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round baking pan so that your cherry chocolate cake won’t stick. For more inspiration, check out this pecan pie bars recipe.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter
In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in your dry mixture and mix well until smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate Cherries
Fold in those luscious cherries gently into the batter—this step is like giving them a warm hug before they dive into the oven!
Step 5: Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your cake cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for that extra wow factor.
Transfer to plates and enjoy each slice as if you're savoring life's sweetest moments!
You Must Know
- This decadent cherry chocolate cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience.
- With rich chocolate and vibrant cherries, it brings joy to any occasion.
- The blend of flavors creates a beautiful harmony that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans. Mix the dry ingredients first, then cream the butter and sugar. Fold in the cherries last for even distribution before baking to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for other fruits like raspberries or strawberries if you're feeling adventurous. You can also add a splash of almond extract for a delightful twist on flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cherry chocolate cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it wrapped in plastic wrap. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a moist cake, avoid overmixing your batter after adding the flour.
- Use fresh cherries for maximum flavor—frozen ones can make the batter too watery.
- Always let your cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Sometimes, I whip up this cherry chocolate cake for birthday parties, and it never fails to impress! The smiles on my friends' faces after their first bite are priceless. fruity desserts to impress guests.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for a cherry chocolate cake?
To make a delicious cherry chocolate cake, you will need all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar. Additionally, gather eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Fresh or jarred cherries are essential for flavor and texture. Don’t forget to have some chocolate chips if you want an extra chocolatey kick. This combination of ingredients will create a rich and moist cake that beautifully balances the tartness of cherries with the sweetness of chocolate.
How long does it take to bake a cherry chocolate cake?
Baking a cherry chocolate cake typically takes about 30 to 35 minutes in a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C). However, baking times can vary based on your oven's accuracy and the size of your pan. To ensure perfect doneness, check the center with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Can I use frozen cherries for my cherry chocolate cake?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cherries in your cherry chocolate cake! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mixing them into the batter. Using frozen cherries can actually enhance the flavor while keeping the cake moist. They may release more juice during baking, which adds to the overall richness of the cake without compromising its texture.
How should I store leftover cherry chocolate cake?
To keep your leftover cherry chocolate cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to prolong its freshness even further, refrigerate it for up to one week. For longer storage options, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you're ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Conclusion for Cherry chocolate cake :
In summary, making a cherry chocolate cake is both simple and rewarding. With key ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, fresh cherries, and eggs, you can create a delightful dessert that balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly. The baking process takes about 30 minutes but results in a moist and rich treat that everyone will love. rich hot cocoa to serve with cake Whether you choose fresh or frozen cherries, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate various preferences. Enjoy your slice of heaven!
Cherry Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cherry chocolate cake is a luscious dessert that perfectly combines rich chocolate with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. This moist and fluffy cake is an effortless showstopper, making it ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress. Each bite offers a delightful experience that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup softened butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth; gradually mix in the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Gently fold in the cherries until evenly distributed in the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for about ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in almond extract or swapping cherries for raspberries or strawberries. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
